Chapter 72 Lieutenant Philip's Suspicion
Not to mention 1860, even in 2020, the Rio Negro region is not prosperous at all.
Of course, there is only one metropolis in the whole of Argentina, now and in the future, and that is Buenos Aires.
It's nothing, the population is too small.
The "city" closest to Nanhua is Viedma. It is called a city, but it is actually just a town. It is also the future capital of Rio Negro Province. Even so, there were only a few tens of thousands of people here at that time.
In the 21st century it was a "town", but now it is actually just a "village".
In 1779, the Spaniards sent dozens of soldiers to establish this "village" here, and since then it has become the southernmost border of Buenos Aires.
However, even though nearly a hundred years have passed, Biedma can only be said to be a population-dense area of the size of a small town.
Although it is just a small place, it has a series of products of modern civilization in the 19th century, such as telegraph stations.
What is Biedma’s most important function for Nanhua right now?
It is not only a channel for external communication, but also a major place for purchasing materials.
Among the purchased materials, the most important one is horses.
As the "representative" of the "America Company" in Viedma, Bailey Alfonso is now a celebrity in the city.
Whoever buys more than a thousand horses in just a few months will become a celebrity here.
This is a big business worth tens of thousands of pesos.
"Mr. Alfonso, may I ask if there is any news about the Countess?"
Once again, Lieutenant Philip came to the American Company.
"Lieutenant, I haven't received a letter from my wife for a long time."
Bailey shrugged and said.
"You know, I'm just a nobody. How could the lady remember me?"
As expected of a servant of the Earl's family, he is best at making jokes.
Lieutenant Philip asked curiously:
"By the way, why are you purchasing horses here? If you want to buy horses, wouldn't it be more convenient to buy them nearby?"
“The price of horses in Biedma is still relatively low, so it’s more cost-effective here.”
Bailey dealt with Philip somewhat helplessly. It seemed that the lieutenant was always obsessed with his wife. He hoped that it would not affect his wife's plan.
"Something must be wrong."
Once again, after leaving America Company, Lieutenant Philip muttered to himself.
As for what made him feel wrong, he couldn't say it.
More than a thousand horses!
In the past few months, Americana has purchased more than a thousand horses. Where did they go?
They were not shipped to other places by ship, but according to the cowboys, they were not sure where the horses went.
And now they are starting to buy horses on a large scale again.
Why did they buy so many horses?
"We must find out clearly."
Thinking this in his mind, after returning to the barracks, Lieutenant Philip thought about it and asked someone to call Romario.
"Corporal Romario, I have a mission for you."
Philip said, taking a look at Romario, who was wearing the uniform of the Buenos Aires Provincial Army.
"However, this mission is very simple. It is no different from the previous reconnaissance missions. In addition to changing back into the native costumes, you also have to keep an eye on the America Company and Bailey's movements. Do you understand?"
"Everything is at your command, sir."
After Romario left the office, Lieutenant Philip couldn't help but start to wonder again as he stared at the location of America Company in the distance.
What secrets does this company hide?
As Lieutenant Philip frowned and smoked his pipe, the ferry from Carmen on the other side of the river slowly approached the pier. There were not many passengers on the boat, but when the passengers got off the boat, two of the guests immediately attracted a lot of attention. After all, in a remote place like Viedma, young and beautiful single women like them were extremely rare.
However, although they made the people of Viedma shine, everyone could see that they were roses with thorns. Not only were the two women dressed in very alternative cowboy outfits, they even carried revolvers on their waists.
Moreover, from the horses they were leading and the ornately decorated saddles, it was clear that these two ladies were definitely from wealthy or noble families. If Zhu Xianhai were here, he would definitely recognize that these two sisters were the Bellucci sisters who were "incompatible" with him.
"Sister, do you think Lieutenant Philip will help us?"
Looking towards the direction of the military camp, Malena's pretty brows were furrowed.
Her father had been ambushed while leading his army in pursuit of a Mapuche attack, and his whereabouts were unknown. Three months earlier, when she learned that her father had only been captured and was likely still alive, she had written to the Minister of Military Affairs, asking for their help.
But every letter she sent fell on deaf ears. Buenos Aires was now completely engulfed in a fierce political struggle. Who would care to rescue her father?
After repeatedly failing to seek help, Malena came to Viedma. Lieutenant Philip of Viedma was once her father's subordinate. Of course, this was also her last hope.
"If he doesn't help..."
Looking into the distance, Malena pursed her lips and didn't continue speaking.
"Then we will go and rescue father ourselves."
Monica said in a firm tone.
"Let's see his attitude first!"
Looking at the two girls in front of him, Philip opened his eyes wide , full of surprise.
"You are... Marlena! Monica!"
Surprised, Philip said in astonishment.
"How did you get here? By the way, Major..."
When the words came to his lips, he remembered what happened to the major - when the Mapuche invaded last year, the troops led by the major were ambushed. Not only did the troops suffer heavy casualties, but the major himself was also unknown whether he was alive or dead.
"Marlena, how did you get here?"
"Uncle Philip, Monica and I came here to ask for your help with something."
Looking at Philip, Malena told him the purpose of her visit. Of course, when she mentioned that her father was only captured and might still be alive, Lieutenant Philip was surprised.
"What, the Major is still alive? Are you sure?"
"I have a letter from my father. The person who brought it was a businessman who had been in contact with the Mapuche people for many years."
Marlena said.
"Uncle Philip, you were once the person my father trusted the most. Now he needs your help to gain his freedom. I hope you can help my father gain his freedom for the sake of our past friendship. Now only you can help him, Uncle Philip."
